Prediction

Match Preview

After putting together encouraging starts to the season, City and Phoenix both dished out dismal performances in Round 3 last week to crash back down to earth.

City began the new season on fire as they toppled rivals Victory 2-1 in a thrilling Melbourne derby, but a 1-1 draw against the Mariners was followed by a crushing 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Sydney FC last week.

City have been underachieving for much of their existence, and another season of mediocrity simply won’t do for the cashed-up club - can they bounce back and continue their dominant recent record over Wellington?

Constantly under pressure and the subject of much speculation in regards to their future as a club, Wellington were extremely impressive in an opening round 2-1 dispatch of last year’s grand finalists Newcastle in what was also Mark Rudan’s first game as an A-League coach.

Phoenix were also solid in a 0-0 stalemate away to Brisbane in Round 2, but they fell back into old habits with a 3-0 loss at the hands of the previously-winless Wanderers last week in front of their home fans.

With both sides taking signifiant steps backwards last week, who returns to the winners circle on Friday night? City have won six of their last seven meetings against Phoenix, but the Kiwi club did win their last clash 2-1 in Wellington last season.

However, this match will be played in Melbourne, and Wellington only have one draw from their last seven A-League games away from home. It would be a shock if City didn’t find a way to win this one.

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